No. 10 Alabama decimated Eastern Illinois 56-0 at home Saturday in a game that saw the Crimson Tide’s depth on full display before the Iron Bowl next week. Head coach Kalen DeBoer said it was “good to get a lot of guys out there today.” For a team that ranks 121st in rushing, six different rushers found the endzone for Alabama for a combined eight rushing touchdowns. “We did mix in running backs. I thought they all ran hard and got their opportunities,” DeBoer said. Alabama got to work right away after freshman corner Dijon Lee intercepted quarterback Cole LaCrue on the first drive of the game. Two drives later, running back Daniel Hill added a rushing score of his own, going seven yards untouched to make the score 14-0 with 4: 49 left in the first quarter. The Crimson Tide added to the lead to start the second quarter after running back Kevin Riley dashed for a one-yard score, making the advantage 21-0 with 10: 04 left in the half. After a few defensive stops and an interception from quarterback Ty Simpson, Alabama tacked on another score, with Riley scoring his second touchdown of the afternoon to give the Crimson Tide a 28-0 lead to cap off the half. The Crimson Tide’s defense was efficient in the first half, as the Panthers only time spent in Alabama territory occurred after the Simpson interception. Eastern Illinois lost yards on that drive and came up empty on the scoreboard. “You’ve got to be disciplined, I really feel like he’ll [Simpson] do that moving forward,” DeBoer said about Simpson’s two first half interceptions. The Crimson Tide opened the second half with a four minute 59-yard touchdown drive that saw freshman running back AK Dear scamper in for a touchdown, extending the blowout to 35-0. Alabama’s lead ballooned to 42-0 as quarterback Austin Mack toted the rock for 20 yards into the endzone for a touchdown with 1: 05 left in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw much of the same for the Crimson Tide, as the team punched in a pair of rushing touchdowns to close out an emphatic victory. Alabama put up one of its best rushing performances of the season, with 49 carries for 269 yards with several backs getting opportunities to carry the rock. When asked about his team’s stellar afternoon rushing the ball, Miller gave “all credit” to the team’s offensive line. He also noted that the performance gave his team a “confidence boost heading into next week.” The team’s focus now turns to next week’s Iron Bowl where Alabama must win to punch its ticket to the College Football playoff and potentially the SEC Championship Game. DeBoer said that his team is looking forward to the “excitement of what lies ahead with the Iron Bowl” and the “opportunities” that are in front of the team. The regular season finale versus Auburn on the Plains is scheduled to kick off at 6: 30 p. m. CT and can be streamed on ABC.
https://thecrimsonwhite.com/125143/sports/crimson-tide-demolish-panthers-on-senior-day/
Tag: alabama
College Football Playoff rankings: Texas Tech jumps Ole Miss, Miami rises
There wasn’t much action at the top of the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings in Week 11. Texas A&M and Alabama both cruised through potential landmines in the SEC, while Indiana survived a scare from Penn State thanks to one of the best catches you’ll ever see.
However, looking outside the top five, there was plenty to take note of. Texas Tech routed previously unbeaten BYU in a pivotal Big 12 battle, establishing itself as the clear favorite out of that conference. Meanwhile, Oregon escaped a very rainy Kinnick Stadium with a hard-earned victory, keeping itself firmly in the playoff picture. Vanderbilt also stayed alive with a thrilling comeback win against Auburn in overtime.
In the ACC, losses from Virginia and Louisville further muddied the standings at the top of the conference, leaving the automatic bid very much up for grabs. Over in the Group of Five, Memphis’ loss to Tulane on Friday night opened the door for a new member to appear in the projected bracket as the CFP field begins to take shape.
Here are the full Week 12 College Football Playoff rankings, released by the selection committee on Tuesday night:
1. Ohio State (9-0)
2. Indiana (10-0)
3. Texas A&M (9-0)
4. Alabama (8-1)
5. Georgia (8-1)
6. Texas Tech (9-1)
7. Ole Miss (9-1)
8. Oregon (8-1)
9. Notre Dame (7-2)
10. Texas (7-2)
11. Oklahoma (7-2)
12. BYU (8-1)
13. Utah (7-2)
14. Vanderbilt (8-2)
15. Miami (FL) (7-2)
16. Georgia Tech (8-1)
17. USC (7-2)
18. Michigan (7-2)
19. Virginia (8-2)
20. Louisville (7-2)
21. Iowa (6-3)
22. Pittsburgh (7-2)
23. Tennessee (6-3)
24. South Florida (7-2)
25. Cincinnati (7-2)
This story will be updated as the season progresses. Stay tuned for the latest CFP news and developments.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/college-football-playoff-rankings-texas-tech-ole-miss-miami-rises
Innovate Alabama launches statewide Network Roadshow in West Alabama
**Innovate Alabama Kicks Off Statewide Network Roadshow in West Alabama**
Innovate Alabama recently launched its statewide Network Roadshow in West Alabama, titled “Connecting Alabama: Igniting the Innovate Alabama Network.” The event brought together community leaders and elected officials to celebrate regional progress, strengthen collaboration, and highlight the people and partnerships fueling innovation across the state.
Hosted by Innovate Alabama Network member Main Street Marion, in partnership with the Marion Military Institute, this event marked the first stop in a six-region series. The Roadshow showcases Alabama’s growing innovation ecosystem—from rural towns to urban centers—and demonstrates Innovate Alabama’s commitment to investing in every corner of the state.
“This Roadshow is about more than a celebration; it’s about connection,” said Sen. Bobby Singleton, Innovate Alabama board member and representative of Senate District 24. “Programs like the Innovate Alabama Network empower communities to work together, access new resources, and build a stronger economic foundation for our region. It’s a powerful example of how collaboration and investment can move Alabama forward.”
### Recognition of West Alabama Organizations
During the West Alabama event, Innovate Alabama recognized 13 West Alabama organizations for their leadership and impact through the Innovate Alabama Network:
– CHOICE Uniontown, Perry County
– City of Marion, Marion County
– City of Selma, Dallas County
– City of Thomasville, Clarke County
– City of Uniontown, Perry County
– City of York, Sumter County
– Industrial Development Foundation of Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa County
– Main Street Marion, Perry County
– Town of White Hall, Lowndes County
– Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa County
– Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Foundation, Tuscaloosa County
– Tuscaloosa Sports & Tourism Foundation, Tuscaloosa County
– University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa County
The Innovate Alabama Network currently includes 168 total designees, representing 38 counties across the state.
### Building Stronger Local Economies Through Innovation
“The Innovate Alabama Network Roadshow is designed to bring our partners together in their own regions to listen, celebrate, and build on what’s working,” said Karri Green, program director of the Innovate Alabama Network. “Each stop of this tour will help us identify opportunities to strengthen local economies through innovation and ensure that communities across the state have the tools and connections they need to prosper.”
In addition to celebrating local impact, the Roadshow provides a platform for discussions among Innovate Alabama leadership, local organizations, and elected officials. Conversations focus on how Innovate Alabama’s programs and funding are helping communities grow jobs, attract investment, and expand opportunities statewide.
### Event Highlights in West Alabama
The West Alabama event featured remarks from Innovate Alabama board and staff leadership, along with local and state officials. A community awards presentation recognized organizations advancing innovation in their regions.
Attendees also toured Main Street Marion’s Harris Technology Center, a local hub supporting education and workforce development in the Black Belt region. This center was made possible through Innovate Alabama’s Network designation program.
### Roadshow Continues Across Alabama
Continuing its focus on strengthening innovation in Alabama’s rural communities, the Innovate Alabama Network Roadshow will travel across the state in the coming months, with stops planned in additional regions.
Stay tuned for updates as the Roadshow connects with more communities and continues to ignite innovation throughout Alabama.
https://www.alreporter.com/2025/11/04/innovate-alabama-launches-statewide-network-roadshow-in-west-alabama/
“The pressure has always been so great and high”: Kalen DeBoer refuses to step back from Alabama’s terrific run in SEC ahead of LSU faceoff
Kalen DeBoer has put all the critics to bed, especially those who doubted him after Alabama’s loss in the season opener against FSU. The program has seen an exponential rise overall, with Alabama performing exceptionally well on both offense and defense. Currently, the team stands at 7-1 with an undefeated 5-0 record in the SEC. Their next challenge comes this weekend against LSU.
The veteran head coach recently appeared on the Triple Option podcast, joining an elite panel hosted by Urban Meyer. During the podcast, DeBoer provided an inside look at how the team overcame early criticism and doubts by maintaining focus on each weekly game.
Despite Alabama’s unbeaten streak since Week 2, DeBoer emphasized that he has no intention of resting or becoming complacent. His primary goal remains making the playoffs and contending for the national title.
“I’m not gonna let myself get comfortable,” DeBoer told Rob Stone, Urban Meyer, and Mark Ingram on the Triple Option Podcast. “I think that’s the way you’ve got to just keep attacking it, and that’s the way it’s always been. The pressure you put on yourself, that I’ve put on myself, has always been so great and so high.”
DeBoer also spoke about how well his family has settled in Tuscaloosa and how the passionate support from fans keeps him motivated.
“I love living here, though. My family loves it, and it’s fun when what you’re really passionate about is a priority and really important to the university, the people, your alumni. Getting texts from Mark (Ingram) and other alumni saying they’re proud means the world to me because that’s what I do,” he added.
### Kalen DeBoer Gets Real About LSU Faceoff in Week 10
This weekend’s matchup against LSU comes with unique challenges. The Tigers will enter the game without Brian Kelly calling plays, a situation that could make them vulnerable against a highly stable Alabama squad. However, DeBoer remains cautious and refuses to underestimate LSU’s ability to compete against ranked opponents.
“We’ve just got to do what we’ve been doing, and that’s focusing on us and focusing on what we are and improving the areas we can. We’ll be ready to adjust to whatever comes our way,” DeBoer said during his recent SEC appearance.
With the SEC being one of the most competitive conferences in the country, Alabama must win every upcoming game to keep their playoff hopes alive. Several teams are vying for crucial playoff spots in this tough 12-team league. At this pace, Alabama is shaping up to be a strong contender for the postseason.
Stay tuned as Alabama continues its pursuit of excellence under Kalen DeBoer’s leadership.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-the-pressure-always-great-high-kalen-deboer-refuses-step-back-alabama-s-terrific-run-sec-ahead-of-lsu-faceoff